Two of Lyle/Pacelli’s younger players made a big difference as the Athletics (5-7 overall, 4-4 SEC) beat Hope Lutheran 15-5 in six innings at Marcusen Park Thursday.

After L/P’s starting pitcher Kenneth Gray walked the first six hitters he faced, freshman pitcher Kevin Juenger came on in relief and got out of a bases loaded jam by getting a double play and a strikeout. Juenger allowed just three hits and two walks the rest of the way in the win.

“Kevin wasn’t expecting to come in but he kind of dominated,” L/P head coach Dan Zielke said. “He’s been our most consistent pitcher all year and he got the job done today.”

Offensively, eighth grader Jordan Hart provided some power as he went five-for-five with two doubles and a triple.

“Jordan had a big night and he’s one of those kids you can put anywhere,” Zielke said. “He’s been hitting the ball since we brought him up this year.”

L/P pitching: Kenneth Gray, 0 IP, 6 BB, 3 ER; Kevin Juenger (W), 6 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 2 ER, 7 K

L/P hitting: Kyle Meyer, 1-for-4, 2 R, double; Jordan Hart, 5-for-5, 2 doubles, triple, 4 R; Skylar Meyer, 1-for-4, R; Matt Kasel, 1-for-1; Carter Guthmiller, 3-for-4, triple, 3 R; Sean Shapiro, 3-for-4, R; Jonah Rohne, 0-for-3, BB; Jake Nelson, 0-for-2, R, 2 BBs; Ryan McConnell, 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BBs; Drew Chapek, 1-for-4, R